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You cannot beat a family holiday spent in a park or by the seaside. But if you and your kids prefer something out-of-the-ordinary, consider going to these European destinations for a more unusual family holiday. These destinations offer exciting activities guaranteed to entertain kids of all ages.
So, be inspired by these exciting destinations for your next family trip away.
Austria
Austria is a landlocked country that is less popular as a holiday destination for families, especially in summer. It does not have the seaside that many families crave. However, it does have majestic lakes and lovely nature scenery, which make up for the lack of beaches.
In addition, Austria offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, from the world’s oldest amusement park to salt mines and dinosaur parks.
Located in Vienna’s second district of Leopoldstadt, Wiener Prater is the world’s oldest amusement park and a must-visit for families. Beyond the amusement parks, Austria has plenty to offer for families who love outdoor pursuits, such as swimming and cycling. There are also marked scenic trails for older kids and adults.
Spend some time at the Austrian capital of Vienna and discover the city’s world-class museums, excellent restaurants, and UNESCO Heritage sites. Venture further afield into the province of Lower Austria, where you will find the stunning Wachau Valley, famous for its vineyards, rolling hills, and fortresses.
Iceland
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and even the most cynical kids will be enchanted by its stunning glaciers, waterfalls, lava formations, and bubbling mud pools. Indeed, Iceland is a massive natural playground and a perfect destination for families who love adventure.
A more convenient way of exploring Iceland is by hiring an SUV. Having your own car will give you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.
Once you have your car, make your way to Geysir, the first known geyser in the world. Although it’s now inactive, the nearby Stokkur still sprouts boiling water up to 35m every 10 minutes.
Drive to the northeast part of Reykjavik, and you’ll find Gullfoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Along with Geysir and Thingvellir, it forms part of the famous Golden Circle Circuit.
Take your kids to go horse-trekking on a Viking horse. These horses are exclusive to Iceland and are known for their smooth gait and gentle temperament, making them suitable for little kids.
Albania
Albania may not be the first place that comes to mind when going for a family holiday in Europe, but there are a surprising number of attractions to enjoy here. The country borders several other countries, such as Kosovo and Montenegro, so unusual family getaway road trips are also possible here.
What’s great about traveling to Albania with kids is that it’s not on the mass tourist map yet. While it’s slowly growing in popularity, it doesn’t have the huge tourist crowds that flock to some of the more popular destinations in Europe.
The Albanian Riviera is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful sandy beaches, with Llamani Beach and Porto Palermo Beach being some of the top picks for families.
If your kids are not too bothered about the beaches and would rather explore towns and cities, spend some time in Tirana, the country’s capital city. Take them to the National History Museum, the country’s largest museum. Check out the city’s artificial lake, where kids can play and run around at their leisure.
For history lovers, discover Berat Castle, which dates back to around 2500 years. Surrounded by incredible views, the castle is a wonderful place to bond with kids without the crowds of tourists.
Ibiza
Contrary to what many people think, Ibiza is not just an island for parties. During the peak season, thousands of families come to the island for its beautiful beaches and fun water sports activities, not to mention scenic hiking trails in some of the more remote parts of the island.
In Ibiza, you’ll have tons of beaches to choose from, and most of them are safe for your little ones to swim in. Cala Bassa Beach is one of those beaches. Located in the west of Ibiza, it has a shallow sweeping cove with rock pools ideal for snorkeling.
Es Cana is a more compact beach, with restaurants and bars lining its shores. On the beach itself, you and your kids can enjoy a wide array of water activities.
While Ibiza is home to tons of family-friendly resorts and hotels, staying in a family-equipped villa on the quiet side of the island will make your family holiday even more relaxing. The great thing is these luxury villas in Ibiza come equipped with all the amenities you have in your home, and some of them even come with a kiddie pool.
Andorra
Sandwiched between Spain and France, Andorra is a small country in the Pyrenees mountains and a great destination for action-packed summer activities or winter outdoor family adventures.
When you visit during winter, enjoy cross-country skiing in the GrandVilara ski area, linking the resorts of Soldeu-El Tarter and Pas de la Casa/Grau Roig. Alternatively, base yourself in the ski region of Vallnord, home to some of the country’s luxury ski resorts. Your kids can try a wide range of snow-based activities, from dog-sledding to snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
If you’re visiting in summer, the best way to experience the best of the region is to go to the scenic Siscaro Lakes and the majestic Incles Valley. You can also go mountain biking in the Cortals Valley and hike downhill into Spain.
Experience white water rafting at some of Andorra’s beautiful rivers or rent a 4×4 to get off-the-beaten-path and drive through the old smuggler’s routes. The mountain scenery in Andorra is fantastic, and the climate is perfect, so you are guaranteed to have a great time with your kids.